I knew at a young age (ten!) that makeup was something I loved and wanted to always work with. I explored many avenues of how to be a makeup artist: I worked a makeup counter in a department store, I worked at MTV, I also did a lot of test photographs to put together a portfolio of fashion and beauty work. My big break was assisting François Nars. He was a wonderful teacher and I learned artistry technique, set etiquette, and got massive exposure to the top of the fashion industry.

What advice would you have for a teen that would like to pursue a similar career?

The biggest piece of advice is that this job requires hard work, flexibility, organization, and the ability to stay steady and keep secrets. It's crucial to get as much practice as possible to be ready for any type of face. A great way to practice is to work for a cosmetics brand. Also, be willing to offer your services for free in the name of practice and experience. Do your fashion and beauty homework! Read books and know what makes a face specific to a certain era. Be inspired outside of current fashion, go to museums, and study the masters in all art forms.